Manchester United Transfer News: Dani Alves Boost, Latest Ilkay Gundogan Rumours

Manchester United's desire to sign Barcelona's Dani Alves has received a boost after Blaugrana president Josep Maria Bartomeu suggested the Brazilian isn't confirmed to ink a new deal, while the Red Devils' hopes of landing Borussia Dortmund's Ilkay Gundogan look crushed for the opposite reason.

Bartomeu spoke to Radiogaceta Sports on Spanish radio station RNE (h/t AS), where he confirmed the club is slowly working on new terms for Alves: "We are planning next year. (Carles) Rexach and (Ariedo) Braida are other directors. They are working (on a deal for Alves). I don't know if he will stay, but we cannot sign players until January 1, 2016."

Alves' current deal expires at the end of the season, reported by Tony Mahoney of Goal.com. Alves recently upped the ante on Barca, posting an Instagram message which read as something of a goodbye:

Tom Conn of Inside Spanish Football translated Alves' sentiment: "Brazilian family, my pride, to be a part of this quintet makes me happy. If I have to leave, I do so with bravely, with a beautiful smile and happiness in my heart. No matter what happens; I tried to be happy, not perfect."

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Reports previously suggested Alves has already agreed a preliminary contract with United, per FIFA agent Francois Gallardo, who spoke to Spanish programme Neox (h/t Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express). Dinorah Santana, the player's agent and ex-wife, revealed during an interview with Partido de las 12 on radio station Cadena COPE that her client is "listening to offers" (h/t Santi Gimenez of AS).

"We are more sad than disappointed with Barca, the club have not approached us at any moment while he have waited for a call," continued Santana.

United need a multifunctional right wing-back to take over from Rafael and Antonio Valencia, two players who have failed to inspire in recent times. Alves' qualities are proven at the highest level, and the capture of him on a free transfer could allow Van Gaal to keep hold of important funds for other move.

Barca's current transfer ban—in which they couldn't sign a replacement until Jan. 2016—could scupper the deal, though.

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With the Red Devils currently struggling to hold onto fourth in the Premier League, it's likely major investment is needed during the summer. Alves naturally bombs forward and could provide a vital link in Van Gaal's potential 3-5-2 formation, a style he failed to implement at the start of the season.

While Alves' future commitment remains difficult to call, Gundogan has made it clear he intends to stay at Dortmund. Alex Harris of the Daily Star links the German midfielder to United but cited Gundogan's recent interview with Bild.

"I don't want to say anything about [a new contract offer]," Gundogan said, "things are looking good."

Harris suggests Gundogan "is set to put pen-to-paper on fresh terms with Dortmund," a decision perhaps influenced by Marco Reus recently doing the same. BVB have won three matches in a row to push themselves away from the Bundesliga relegation zone, a revival led by these two stars.

Gundogan's quality on the ball is highlighted below:

Van Gaal's squad could use a complete overhaul, meaning he'll need to find value for money in the summer market. Grabbing Alves on a free certainly represents just that despite concerns over the ambitious player's defensive capabilities.

United's midfield priorities need to remain on landing a destructive, possession-controlling midfielder in the ilk of Michael Carrick. Gundogan's natural calmness on the ball would go down well at Old Trafford, but a more physical specimen is needed to protect a vulnerable defence.